Familypedia
Register
Advertisement
This article is based on the corresponding article in another wiki. For Familypedia purposes, it requires significantly more historical detail on phases of this location's development. The ideal article for a place will give the reader a feel for what it was like to live at that location at the time their relatives were alive there. Also desirable are links to organizations that may be repositories of genealogical information..
Please help to improve this page yourself if you can.


Wexford County, Michigan
Wexford County Courthouse (Cadillac)
Wexford County Courthouse
Seal of Wexford County, Michigan
Seal
Map of Michigan highlighting Wexford County
Location in the state of Michigan
Map of the U.S
Michigan's location in the U.S.
Founded 1840 (created)
1869 (organized)[1][2]
Named for County Wexford, Ireland
Seat Cadillac
Largest city Cadillac
Area
 - Total
 - Land
 - Water

575.46 sq mi (1,490 km²)
565.00 sq mi (1,463 km²)
10.46 sq mi (27 km²), 1.8%
Population
 - (2020)
 - Density

33,673
59.2/sq mi (23/km²)
Congressional district 4th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.wexfordcounty.org

Wexford County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 33,673.[3] The county seat is Cadillac.[4]

Wexford County is part of the Cadillac, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area, which also includes Missaukee County. It is considered to be part of Northern Michigan.

The county is the location of the first known sighting of the Michigan dogman.

History[]

1842 Manistee Kawtawwabet Missaukee Mickenauk Ogemaw Kanotin Notipeskago Aishcum Unwattin Kaykakee Gladwin Arenac counties Michigan

A detail from A New Map of Michigan with its Canals, Roads & Distances (1842) by Henry Schenck Tanner, showing Wexford County as "Kawtawwabet" (a misspelling of Kautawaubet, the county's name from 1840 to 1843.[5]) Several nearby counties are also shown with names that would later be changed.

The county was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1840 as Kautawaubet County,[5] after a Potawatomi phrase meaning "broken tooth," and the name of a local Potawatomi chief. In 1843, legislators renamed the county Wexford,[5] after County Wexford in Ireland. It was formally organized in 1869.[1]

Geography[]

The Manistee River flows westward through the upper part of Wexford County. The county terrain consists of low rolling hills, largely tree-covered.[6] The terrain slopes to the west,[7] with its highest point, Briar Hill in Manistee National Forest[8] at 1,706 (520m) ASL.

According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 575.46 sqmi (1,490 km2), of which 565.00 sqmi (1,463 km2) is land and 10.46 sqmi (27.1 km2) (1.8%) is water.[9]

Major highways[]

  • US 131 US 131
  • No imageBusiness plateNo image
    US 131 BUS US 131 (Cadillac Route)
  • No imageBusiness plateNo image
    US 131 BUS US 131 (Manton Route)
  • M-37 M-37
  • M-42 M-42
  • M-55 M-55
  • M-115 M-115

Adjacent counties[]

Protected areas[]

  • Brandy Brook Waterfowl Area
  • Manistee National Forest (part)
  • Mitchell State Park

Lakes[6][]

  • Hodenpyl Dam Pond
  • Lake Cadillac
  • Lake Gitchegumee
  • Lake Mitchell
  • Long Lake
  • Round Lake (part)

Demographics[]

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1870 650
1880 6,815 948.5%
1890 11,278 65.5%
1900 16,845 49.4%
1910 20,769 23.3%
1920 18,207 −12.3%
1930 16,827 −7.6%
1940 17,976 6.8%
1950 18,628 3.6%
1960 18,466 −0.9%
1970 19,717 6.8%
1980 25,102 27.3%
1990 26,360 5.0%
2000 30,484 15.6%
2010 32,735 7.4%
US Decennial Census[10]
1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12]
1990-2000[13] 2010-2020[3]

2000 census[]

As of the 2000 United States Census,[14] there were 30,484 people, 11,824 households, and 8,383 families in the county. The population density was 54/sqmi (20.8/km2). There were 14,872 housing units at an average density of 26.3/sqmi (10.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.29% White, 0.19% Black or African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.01% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 21.4% were of German, 11.3% English, 9.5% American, 9.4% Irish, 6.1% Dutch, 5.8% Swedish and 5.3% Polish ancestry. 97.7% spoke English and 1.1% Spanish as their first language.

There were 11,824 households, out of which 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.20% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 24.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00.

The county population contained 26.80% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.10% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,363, and the median income for a family was $39,915. Males had a median income of $31,198 versus $21,733 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,144. About 7.70% of families and 10.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.50% of those under age 18 and 8.50% of those age 65 or over.

Government[]

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials[]

  • Prosecuting Attorney: Corey Wiggins
  • Sheriff: Trent Taylor
  • County Clerk: Alaina M. Nyman
  • County Treasurer: Kristi Nottingham
  • Register of Deeds: Lorie L. Sorensen
  • Drain Commissioner: Michael J. Solomon
  • County Surveyor: Craig J. Pullen

(information as of July 2019)[15]

Politics[]

Wexford County is one of the few counties to have given majorities to both the first Republican candidate, John C. Frémont,[16] and to John McCain in his 2008 presidential campaign.[17] The county also twice favored Democrat Bill Clinton.[18]

United States presidential election results for Wexford County, Michigan[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 12,102 66.16% 5,838 31.92% 352 1.92%
2016 10,000 65.06% 4,436 28.86% 934 6.08%
2012 8,450 56.72% 6,184 41.51% 264 1.77%
2008 8,044 51.10% 7,379 46.88% 318 2.02%
2004 8,966 59.14% 6,034 39.80% 160 1.06%
2000 7,215 55.58% 5,326 41.03% 441 3.40%
1996 4,866 40.93% 5,510 46.35% 1,512 12.72%
1992 4,696 37.34% 4,894 38.92% 2,985 23.74%
1988 6,043 58.07% 4,287 41.20% 76 0.73%
1984 7,279 67.93% 3,398 31.71% 38 0.35%
1980 6,027 54.01% 4,173 37.39% 960 8.60%
1976 5,670 54.96% 4,519 43.80% 128 1.24%
1972 5,221 61.43% 3,048 35.86% 230 2.71%
1968 4,364 56.38% 2,832 36.59% 544 7.03%
1964 3,016 40.50% 4,414 59.28% 16 0.21%
1960 5,262 65.00% 2,807 34.67% 27 0.33%
1956 5,052 65.76% 2,604 33.89% 27 0.35%
1952 5,569 68.98% 2,407 29.82% 97 1.20%
1948 3,833 57.06% 2,635 39.23% 249 3.71%
1944 4,074 61.21% 2,489 37.39% 93 1.40%
1940 4,322 59.00% 2,947 40.23% 57 0.78%
1936 3,153 44.35% 3,771 53.05% 185 2.60%
1932 3,425 50.34% 3,251 47.78% 128 1.88%
1928 4,825 84.53% 853 14.94% 30 0.53%
1924 3,926 77.47% 592 11.68% 550 10.85%
1920 3,406 73.03% 1,095 23.48% 163 3.49%
1916 2,333 55.21% 1,683 39.82% 210 4.97%
1912 1,075 26.52% 817 20.15% 2,162 53.33%
1908 2,886 71.95% 831 20.72% 294 7.33%
1904 3,003 76.37% 690 17.55% 239 6.08%
1900 2,519 67.75% 1,014 27.27% 185 4.98%
1896 2,036 58.27% 1,359 38.90% 99 2.83%
1892 1,388 49.91% 1,156 41.57% 237 8.52%
1888 1,437 53.96% 1,065 39.99% 161 6.05%
1884 1,220 54.81% 876 39.35% 130 5.84%



Tourism[]

There are many attractions and hot spots in Wexford County. The Manistee National Forest is one recreation site. The Manistee River is used by fishermen, kayakers, and canoers. There are many lakes; the largest are Cadillac and Mitchell. Two hundred miles of snowmobile trails are maintained by the Cadillac Winter Promotions volunteer group. There are at least eight golf courses near Cadillac. There are several museums near Cadillac. The Wexford Civic Center is a 4,000 capacity arena, 300 capacity hockey facility, 300 capacity grand stand, and several buildings for agricultural shows and expos.

Communities[]

Wexford County, MI census map

U.S. Census data map showing local municipal boundaries within Wexford County. Shaded areas represent incorporated cities.

Cities[]

  • Cadillac (county seat)
  • Manton

Villages[]

  • Buckley
  • Harrietta
  • Mesick

Charter township[]

  • Haring Charter Township

Civil townships[]

  • Antioch Township
  • Boon Township
  • Cedar Creek Township
  • Cherry Grove Township
  • Clam Lake Township
  • Colfax Township
  • Greenwood Township
  • Hanover Township
  • Henderson Township
  • Liberty Township
  • Selma Township
  • Slagle Township
  • South Branch Township
  • Springville Township
  • Wexford Township

Census-designated places[]

  • Boon
  • Caberfae
  • Haring
  • Wedgewood

Other unincorporated communities[]

  • Axin
  • Bagnall
  • Baxter
  • Benson
  • Garletts Corner
  • Gilbert
  • Glengary
  • Harlan
  • Hobart
  • Hoxeyville
  • Meauwataka
  • Millersville
  • Missaukee Junction
  • Sherman
  • Walton
  • Wexford Corner
  • Yuma

Ghost towns[]

  • Angola
  • Bond's Mill
  • Bunyea
  • Cherry Grove
  • Claggettville
  • Coline
  • Elton
  • Haire
  • Mystic
  • Round Lake
  • Soper
  • Thorp
  • Wexford

Historical markers[]

Charles T

Charles T. Mitchell House in Cadillac

There are ten recognized Michigan historical markers in the county:[20]

  • Battle of Manton
  • Caberfae Ski Resort
  • Cadillac Carnegie Library
  • Charles T. Mitchell House
  • Clam Lake Canal
  • Cobbs & Mitchell Building
  • Cobbs and Mitchell Mill No.1
  • First Wexford County Courthouse
  • Greenwood Disciples of Christ Church
  • Shay Locomotive

See also[]

  • List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Wexford County, Michigan
  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Wexford County, Michigan

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Bibliography on Wexford County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. https://www.cmich.edu/library/clarke/AccessMaterials/Bibliographies/MichiganLocalHistory/Pages/wexford.aspx. 
  2. ^ Cadillac History Archived February 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wexfordcountymichigan/POP010220. 
  4. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx. 
  5. ^ a b c Newberry Library. "Michigan: Individual County Chronologies". http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/MI_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm. 
  6. ^ a b Wexford County MI - Google Maps (accessed 10 July 2019)
  7. ^ Find an Altitude/Wexford County MI (accessed 10 July 2019)
  8. ^ Brian Hill, Michigan (PeakBagger.com) Accessed 10 July 2019
  9. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_26.txt. 
  10. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html. 
  11. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu. 
  12. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/mi190090.txt. 
  13. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000". US Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf. 
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov. 
  15. ^ Wexford County Directory (accessed 10 July 2019)
  16. ^ "1856 Presidential Election Statistics". uselectionatlas.org. http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/stats.php?year=1856&f=1&off=0&elect=0. 
  17. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections - State Data". uselectionatlas.org. http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/statesub.php?year=2008&fips=26165&f=1&off=0&elect=0. 
  18. ^ The New York Times electoral map, 2008 (Zoom in on Michigan)
  19. ^ US Election Results
  20. ^ "Michigan Historical Markers". michmarkers.com. http://www.michmarkers.com/Frameset.htm. 

External links[]

Template:Wexford County, Michigan Template:Northern Michigan

Coordinates: 44°20′N 85°35′W / 44.34, -85.58

This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at Wexford County, Michigan. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.
Advertisement